§ 8. Dr. Alan Glynasked the President of the Board of Trade how many pairs of optical binoculars of Japanese manufacture were imported into this country between June, 1961, and June, 1962; and what increase he anticipates when the Anglo-Japanese Treaty is ratified.
§ Mr. ErrollSeparate details of imports of binoculars are not available. In the twelve months to June, 1962, however, imports of telescopes, binoculars and monoculars from Japan were valued at £51,550. For the year to 30th September, 1962, the quota for Japanese binoculars was £60,000. From 1st October until the Treaty comes into force it will be at an annual rate of £80,000, and from the date on which the Treaty comes into force until the end of 1963 the quota will be increased to an annual rate of £100,000.
§ Dr. GlynWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for those figures, may I ask whether he is aware of the deep concern in this industry, which is doing all that it can to get its prices as low as possible against competition from Japan, whose products are coming in at a very low price? Is my right hon. Friend further aware that this industry has a wealth of technical skill and that it would be, a great tragedy if it were to leave the industry? Whatever may be the advantages to us of the Anglo-Japanese Treaty, many of our industries, like the optical industry, are extremely worried about the effect 'of this trade upon their own industry.
§ Mr. ErrollI should like to reassure my hon. Friend that during 1962 imports from other sources have been considerably greater than those contemplated from Japan. As to keeping in touch with the industry, one of my officials had a meeting with an important firm in the industry only a few days ago and we shall, of course, maintain our informal but close relations with the industry.